Medical Coder Course Description
36 Weeks / 765 Clock Hours which includes 225 Clock Hours-Externship / 135 Additional Outside Clock Hours
900 Total Hours / 26.5 Semester Credits
The Medical Coding Specialist student will be trained to perform at a minimum entry level in positions normally available in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and insurance companies as a part of the health care team. Medical Coding Specialist, Insurance Coder, Claims Specialist, and ICD9/CPT Coder, are typical job titles.
Students will be instructed in the analysis of medical records (charts) and the assignment of codes for indexing diagnoses and procedures to provide information for reimbursement purposes. “Coding” means transforming the written or verbal description of diseases, injuries, and procedures into numerical designations.
Students will learn anatomy and medical terminology. Students will also learn about diseases that affect the human body. They will learn etiology, pathology, symptoms, signs, diagnostics and treatment to properly code medical records. Students will become familiar with the content of the medical record in order to locate information to support or provide specificity for accurate coding.
Students will experience a variety of grading methods to ensure and assess proper learning skills and performance. Projects, quizzes, tests, case studies, daily exercises, role-play, workbook pages, and class participation are ways that will be utilized to assess student learning.
Course Subject Descriptions Are As Follows:
(click on course title for full catalog listing)
- Module 1
- Module 2
- Module 3
- Module 4
Modules 1, 2, and 3 can be taken in any order; however, module 4 will always be taken last by the student.
Module 1
MCS 101 Coding I
60 Clock Hours-Lecture / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
This subject introduces the student to Volumes I and II of the ICD-9 manual for diagnostic coding. The student will learn the proper procedures for coding diagnoses, signs and symptoms, drugs, hypertension, and neoplasm tables. An introduction to CPT and HCPCS will also be covered.
MCS 110 ICD-9 Coding and Modifiers
30 Clock Hours-Lecture / 7.5 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 1 Credit
This subject familiarizes the student with human anatomy and medical terminology. Focus for medical coders will be on body systems. Functions of the systems, diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments and medications are covered. Common medical abbreviations will be introduced.
MCS 120 Healthcare Administration and Professional Management
30 Clock Hours-Lecture / 7.5 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 1 Credit
This course is designed to help the student recognize the important role personal qualities play in the workplace. This course is designed to also help the development of preparing the student for successful employment and promoting personal growth.
MED 121 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems I
60 Clock Hours-Lecture / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
This subject familiarizes the student with human anatomy and medical terminology. Focus for medical coders will be on body systems. Functions of the systems, diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments and medications are covered. Common medical abbreviations will be introduced.
Module 2
MCS 102 Coding II
60 Clock Hours-Lecture / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
This course introduces the student to the next level of procedural coding which involves the CPT manual and its uses and contents, including Levels I, II & III coding modifiers. This subject introduces students to DRGs and HCPCS billing procedures.
MCS 104 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and Medicine Coding
30 Clock Hours-Lecture / 7.5 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 1 Credit
This course introduces the student to rules and regulations of billing in the HCPCS manual. Students will also gain knowledge into basic pharmacology used in the medical coding field. Students will also learn the proper billing techniques for the Medicine section in the Current Procedural Terminology manual.
COA 102 Computer Applications
30 Clock Hours-Lab / 7.5 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 1 Credit
Students will learn to use a computerized medical office software program. Included will be how to enter patient demographics, scheduling, posting accounts, printing reports, and working with claims. Keyboarding theory and keyboarding skills necessary for the operation of computers and word processors are covered.
MED 122 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems II
60 Clock Hours-Lecture / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
The more complicated systems of the body and additional terminology are covered. Functions of the systems as well as diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications are covered.
Module 3
MCS 103 Coding III
60 Clock Hours-Lecture / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
This subject is a continuation of Medical Coding II covering CPT, HCPCs codes, DRGs, laboratory, pathology, and radiology codes.
MCS 210 Evaluation and Management-Principles and Applications
15 Clock Hours-Lab / 3.75 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 0.5 Credit
Students will learn the key factors of evaluation and management code assignment and levels of evaluation and management service. Students will learn to assign evaluation and management codes in this course and identify documentation guidelines.
MCS 240 Health Insurance/Billing and Office Procedures/Management of Health Records
30 Clock Hours-Lecture & 30 Clock Hours-Lab / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
The student will learn the billing practices of all major insurance companies, as well as commercial insurance. Students will also understand the proper filing of HCFA and UB92 forms. Emphasis is placed on the administrative skills necessary for the effective management of a medical business office. Students will gain hands-on experience with patient records, management, insurance billing, computerized scheduling, transcription, and employee payroll.
This subject provides a variety of skills related to the management of health records, such as basic knowledge of medical abbreviations, and the law and ethics that surround the management and control of health records.
MED 123 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems III
45 Clock Hours-Lecture / 11.25 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2 Credits
The more complicated systems of the body and additional terminology are covered. Functions of the systems as well as diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications are covered.
Module 4
MED 270 Externship
225 Clock Hours-Externship / 5 Credits
In the third module, students will meet with their respective externship coordinator to begin planning their externships. The externship is required for all students and must be completed to be eligible for graduation and to receive their diploma. To qualify for the externship phase of the program, a student must first have met the 2.0 G.P.A. or re-taking a subject, a score of 70% or above on the Comprehensive Class Room Final Exam, and have an over-all attendance of 90% in his or her medical courses. All work is performed under the direct supervision of licensed medical personnel at the site in cooperation with DTC’s respective externship coordinator.
Student will be scheduled for 225 hours at an extern site that has an externship agreement with DTC. DTC currently has externship site agreements in place, and those sites have agreed to host medical coding students. Externs are not entitled to compensation.
Additional Requirements:
Upon successful completion of all coursework through the 30th week of classes, DTC will provide uniforms, which will be 3 polo shirts. Students will be able to purchase additional shirts as desired. Students will be asked to provide their own khaki pants (no capris or crop pants). DTC will all pay dues for student membership in the AAPC upon successful completion of the first 30 weeks of class.
Current sites with agreements at the Horn Lake, MS Campus are:
A Bridge To Recovery Affordable Urgent Medical Care
Alliance Health Partner
Arkansas Kidney Consultants
Adult Neurology Clinic
Aaron E. Henry Community Health Center (Clarksdale)
Aaron E. Henry Community Health Center (Tunica)
Aaron E. Henry Community Health Center (Batesville)
Asercare Hospice of Senatobia
Blue Mountain Family Medicine Clinic
Caring For You Staffing
Cockrell Family Medical Center
Comprehensive Family Medical Center
Creekmore Clinic
Crescent Medical Inc
Dermatology Clinic of North Mississippi
Desoto Childrens Clinic
Desoto Foot Care
Desoto Ear Nose Throat
Desoto Diagnostic Imaging
Desoto Psychological Associates
Desoto Osteopathic
Direct Medical Supplies
Dr. Mary Anne Frank-Tarsi
GI Pathology
Goodlife Medical Center
Health First Family Medical
Hernando Family Medical Clinic
Hickory Flat Family Clinic
Homechoice Health Sevices(Hernando)
Homechoice Health Services(Holly Springs)
Homechoice HealthServices(Memphis)
Journey To New Beginnings
Kids Care Medical Center
Ki M Chang Internal Medicine
Landmark Internal Medicine
Lebonheur Urgent Care
Medical Group Management Associations
Memphis Childrens Clinic
Memphis and Shelby County Pediatric (2 locations)
Methodist Healthcare Group
Metropolitan Anesthesia Alliance
Mid-South Chiropractor
Mid-South Internal Medicine
Mid-South Medicine
North Benton County Healthcare
Northeast Mississippi Health Care
NurseMed
OB/GYN Associates
Odum Rural Healthcare
Olive Branch Family Medical
Oxford Surgery Center
Peabody Family Care
Physicians Financial Resources
Premier Gastroenterology
Preventive Care
Professional Accounts Management
Progressive Physicians Practice
Dr. R.C. and P.R. Purohitis
Senatobia Children's Clinic
Shackelford Family Eye Care(Hernando)
Shackelford Family Eye Care(Tunica)
Southwind Medical Specialists
The Neurology Clinic
Tippah County Health Services
Total Healthcare Association
Trinity Medical Solutions
Tri-State Healthcare for Women
UT Cancer Institute
UTMG
Vision Behavioral Health Management
Ageless Men Health
First Counseling Services
Dr. Kim Chang, M.D.
Lakeside Behavioral Health Systems
Mid-South Healthcare Management
Mid-South Pain Treatment Center
Reggie White Sleep Disorder Clinic (4 locations)
Region IV
UTMG/Hamilton Eye Institute
Visiting Angels
Current sites with agreements at the Ridgeland, MS Campus are:
CarePlus Family Medicine
Medical and Disability Claims Services Inc.
36 Weeks / 765 Clock Hours which includes 225 Clock Hours-Externship / 135 Additional Outside Clock Hours
900 Total Hours / 26.5 Semester Credits
The Medical Coding Specialist student will be trained to perform at a minimum entry level in positions normally available in medical offices, clinics, hospitals and insurance companies as a part of the health care team. Medical Coding Specialist, Insurance Coder, Claims Specialist, and ICD9/CPT Coder, are typical job titles.
Students will be instructed in the analysis of medical records (charts) and the assignment of codes for indexing diagnoses and procedures to provide information for reimbursement purposes. “Coding” means transforming the written or verbal description of diseases, injuries, and procedures into numerical designations.
Students will learn anatomy and medical terminology. Students will also learn about diseases that affect the human body. They will learn etiology, pathology, symptoms, signs, diagnostics and treatment to properly code medical records. Students will become familiar with the content of the medical record in order to locate information to support or provide specificity for accurate coding.
Students will experience a variety of grading methods to ensure and assess proper learning skills and performance. Projects, quizzes, tests, case studies, daily exercises, role-play, workbook pages, and class participation are ways that will be utilized to assess student learning.
Course Subject Descriptions Are As Follows:
(click on course title for full catalog listing)
- Module 1
- Module 2
- Module 3
- Module 4
Modules 1, 2, and 3 can be taken in any order; however, module 4 will always be taken last by the student.
Module 1
MCS 101 Coding I
60 Clock Hours-Lecture / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
This subject introduces the student to Volumes I and II of the ICD-9 manual for diagnostic coding. The student will learn the proper procedures for coding diagnoses, signs and symptoms, drugs, hypertension, and neoplasm tables. An introduction to CPT and HCPCS will also be covered.
MCS 110 ICD-9 Coding and Modifiers
30 Clock Hours-Lecture / 7.5 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 1 Credit
This subject familiarizes the student with human anatomy and medical terminology. Focus for medical coders will be on body systems. Functions of the systems, diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments and medications are covered. Common medical abbreviations will be introduced.
MCS 120 Healthcare Administration and Professional Management
30 Clock Hours-Lecture / 7.5 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 1 Credit
This course is designed to help the student recognize the important role personal qualities play in the workplace. This course is designed to also help the development of preparing the student for successful employment and promoting personal growth.
MED 121 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems I
60 Clock Hours-Lecture / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
This subject familiarizes the student with human anatomy and medical terminology. Focus for medical coders will be on body systems. Functions of the systems, diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments and medications are covered. Common medical abbreviations will be introduced.
Module 2
MCS 102 Coding II
60 Clock Hours-Lecture / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
This course introduces the student to the next level of procedural coding which involves the CPT manual and its uses and contents, including Levels I, II & III coding modifiers. This subject introduces students to DRGs and HCPCS billing procedures.
MCS 104 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) and Medicine Coding
30 Clock Hours-Lecture / 7.5 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 1 Credit
This course introduces the student to rules and regulations of billing in the HCPCS manual. Students will also gain knowledge into basic pharmacology used in the medical coding field. Students will also learn the proper billing techniques for the Medicine section in the Current Procedural Terminology manual.
COA 102 Computer Applications
30 Clock Hours-Lab / 7.5 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 1 Credit
Students will learn to use a computerized medical office software program. Included will be how to enter patient demographics, scheduling, posting accounts, printing reports, and working with claims. Keyboarding theory and keyboarding skills necessary for the operation of computers and word processors are covered.
MED 122 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems II
60 Clock Hours-Lecture / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
The more complicated systems of the body and additional terminology are covered. Functions of the systems as well as diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications are covered.
Module 3
MCS 103 Coding III
60 Clock Hours-Lecture / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
This subject is a continuation of Medical Coding II covering CPT, HCPCs codes, DRGs, laboratory, pathology, and radiology codes.
MCS 210 Evaluation and Management-Principles and Applications
15 Clock Hours-Lab / 3.75 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 0.5 Credit
Students will learn the key factors of evaluation and management code assignment and levels of evaluation and management service. Students will learn to assign evaluation and management codes in this course and identify documentation guidelines.
MCS 240 Health Insurance/Billing and Office Procedures/Management of Health Records
30 Clock Hours-Lecture & 30 Clock Hours-Lab / 15 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2.5 Credits
The student will learn the billing practices of all major insurance companies, as well as commercial insurance. Students will also understand the proper filing of HCFA and UB92 forms. Emphasis is placed on the administrative skills necessary for the effective management of a medical business office. Students will gain hands-on experience with patient records, management, insurance billing, computerized scheduling, transcription, and employee payroll.
This subject provides a variety of skills related to the management of health records, such as basic knowledge of medical abbreviations, and the law and ethics that surround the management and control of health records.
MED 123 Anatomy and Medical Terminology by Systems III
45 Clock Hours-Lecture / 11.25 Additional Outside Clock Hours / 2 Credits
The more complicated systems of the body and additional terminology are covered. Functions of the systems as well as diseases, diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications are covered.
Module 4
MED 270 Externship
225 Clock Hours-Externship / 5 Credits
In the third module, students will meet with their respective externship coordinator to begin planning their externships. The externship is required for all students and must be completed to be eligible for graduation and to receive their diploma. To qualify for the externship phase of the program, a student must first have met the 2.0 G.P.A. or re-taking a subject, a score of 70% or above on the Comprehensive Class Room Final Exam, and have an over-all attendance of 90% in his or her medical courses. All work is performed under the direct supervision of licensed medical personnel at the site in cooperation with DTC’s respective externship coordinator.
Student will be scheduled for 225 hours at an extern site that has an externship agreement with DTC. DTC currently has externship site agreements in place, and those sites have agreed to host medical coding students. Externs are not entitled to compensation.
Additional Requirements:
Upon successful completion of all coursework through the 30th week of classes, DTC will provide uniforms, which will be 3 polo shirts. Students will be able to purchase additional shirts as desired. Students will be asked to provide their own khaki pants (no capris or crop pants). DTC will all pay dues for student membership in the AAPC upon successful completion of the first 30 weeks of class.
Current sites with agreements at the Horn Lake, MS Campus are:
|
A Bridge To Recovery Affordable Urgent Medical Care
|
Alliance Health Partner |
|
Arkansas Kidney Consultants
|
Adult Neurology Clinic |
|
Aaron E. Henry Community Health Center (Clarksdale)
|
Aaron E. Henry Community Health Center (Tunica) |
|
Aaron E. Henry Community Health Center (Batesville)
|
Asercare Hospice of Senatobia |
|
Blue Mountain Family Medicine Clinic
|
Caring For You Staffing |
|
Cockrell Family Medical Center
|
Comprehensive Family Medical Center |
|
Creekmore Clinic
|
Crescent Medical Inc |
|
Dermatology Clinic of North Mississippi
|
Desoto Childrens Clinic |
|
Desoto Foot Care
|
Desoto Ear Nose Throat |
|
Desoto Diagnostic Imaging
|
Desoto Psychological Associates |
|
Desoto Osteopathic
|
Direct Medical Supplies |
|
Dr. Mary Anne Frank-Tarsi
|
GI Pathology |
|
Goodlife Medical Center
|
Health First Family Medical |
|
Hernando Family Medical Clinic
|
Hickory Flat Family Clinic |
|
Homechoice Health Sevices(Hernando)
|
Homechoice Health Services(Holly Springs) |
|
Homechoice HealthServices(Memphis)
|
Journey To New Beginnings |
|
Kids Care Medical Center
|
Ki M Chang Internal Medicine |
|
Landmark Internal Medicine
|
Lebonheur Urgent Care |
|
Medical Group Management Associations
|
Memphis Childrens Clinic |
|
Memphis and Shelby County Pediatric (2 locations)
|
Methodist Healthcare Group |
|
Metropolitan Anesthesia Alliance
|
Mid-South Chiropractor |
|
Mid-South Internal Medicine
|
Mid-South Medicine |
|
North Benton County Healthcare
|
Northeast Mississippi Health Care |
|
NurseMed
|
OB/GYN Associates |
|
Odum Rural Healthcare
|
Olive Branch Family Medical |
|
Oxford Surgery Center
|
Peabody Family Care |
|
Physicians Financial Resources
|
Premier Gastroenterology |
|
Preventive Care
|
Professional Accounts Management |
|
Progressive Physicians Practice
|
Dr. R.C. and P.R. Purohitis |
|
Senatobia Children's Clinic
|
Shackelford Family Eye Care(Hernando) |
|
Shackelford Family Eye Care(Tunica)
|
Southwind Medical Specialists |
|
The Neurology Clinic
|
Tippah County Health Services |
|
Total Healthcare Association
|
Trinity Medical Solutions |
|
Tri-State Healthcare for Women
|
UT Cancer Institute |
|
UTMG
|
Vision Behavioral Health Management |
|
Ageless Men Health
|
First Counseling Services |
|
Dr. Kim Chang, M.D.
|
Lakeside Behavioral Health Systems |
|
Mid-South Healthcare Management
|
Mid-South Pain Treatment Center |
|
Reggie White Sleep Disorder Clinic (4 locations)
|
Region IV |
|
UTMG/Hamilton Eye Institute
|
Visiting Angels |
Current sites with agreements at the Ridgeland, MS Campus are:
|
CarePlus Family Medicine |
Medical and Disability Claims Services Inc. |
